The public is reminded to ensure letters and packages stating personal information are properly removed before disposal to avoid them being used for fraud
According to Berita Harian, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Zainuddin Yaacob warned that information such as names, phone numbers, and addresses commonly found on discarded packaging can be misused by irresponsible parties.
He said the police has not received any reports regarding scams thus far.
However, he issued the reminder given the rise of online shopping as a recent trend among Malaysians.
Zainuddin also reminded the public to share information regarding their online purchases with their family to avoid being cheated when receiving the deliveries
“Family members at home should not simply make payments for packages sent before getting confirmation from the family member who made the purchase,” he said in a statement yesterday, 14 December, as quoted by The Borneo Post.
“We urge the public to make a police report if they have been a victim of a scam using such modus operandi so that investigations can be carried out.”
He said if such cases are reported, police will conduct investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 10 years and whipping.
Image via Firdaus Latif/Malay Mail
The CCID director said he is advising caution following a video that was circulated on social media about scams like these
The two-minute video showed a re-enactment of a scam using information obtained from a package discarded by a victim into a public garbage bin.
In the short clip, the scammer retrieved the packaging and harassed the victim over the phone before pretending to be a delivery man and heading over to the victim’s home to trick her family into paying for a fake package.